U.S. Retailers Had a Very Merry Christmas, According to Early Sales Data

The big gift box under the retail industry’s Christmas tree was full—of cash, according to early data.

U.S. retail sales were up this year 5.1% to more than $850 billion, according to Mastercard SpendingPulse, a report from the payment card vendor that looks at consumer purchases from December 1 through 24. It was the strongest performance in six years.

The National Retail Federation had projected that consumers on average had planned to spend $1,007 for decorations, candy, gifts, and other purchases for themselves.